Dubai Opera runs 2 tours: the Dubai Opera Backstage Tour and the Dubai Architecture Tour.
This is your chance to explore the inner workings of their backstage areas and learn more about the impressive architectural features inside Dubai Opera.
You’ll also feel like a VIP as you sit in the private Majlis area inside the entrance of Dubai Opera, where performing artists meet and greet VIP guests before and after performances.
How To Book
You can book via the Dubai Opera website. You can also book by visiting the Dubai Opera Box Office on-site or by emailing tours@dubaiopera.com.
On the day of our booking, we showed the Tour Guide our online tickets on our mobile phone, so we didn’t need to bring along a printed copy of our tickets.
When To Go
Check the 'Tour's section of Dubai Opera's website for available tour dates and times.
Tours can be booked for 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm.
Both tours run for approximately 30-45 minutes.
If you want to book into both tours on the one day, put the same start time for both, as your Tour Guide will run the Architecture Tour first and then the Backstage Tour straight afterwards.
Costs Involved
Dubai Opera Architecture Tour
Adults AED75 and Children AED40 (3 – 16 years old)
Dubai Opera Backstage Tour
Adults AED95 and Children AED65 (7 – 16 years old)
How To Get There
View Dubai Opera’s ‘Planning Your Visit’ section on their website for parking information, a map and the best ways to travel to Dubai Opera.
Tips For Your Visit
At the start of your tour, meet your Tour Guide at the Box Office, which is located before the main entrance of Dubai Opera, on the right-hand side if you are coming from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd.
There are restaurants opposite their Box Office, should you wish to dine somewhere close-by before or after your tour/s.
Tours are conducted in English or Arabic and other languages can be arranged with advanced notice.
There’s also a chance to snap a photo or a selfie in front of their #DUBAIOPERA neon sign.
What To Expect
See panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai during the Architecture Tour.
Learn about why certain architectural materials and interior products were selected in the design of Dubai Opera.
You’ll also see some impressive artwork throughout Dubai Opera too!
See inside the dressing rooms, behind the main stage and the underneath seat storage as part of the Backstage Tour.
Your Tour Guide will share interesting facts during both tours and show you videos and photos of previously held exclusive, public and private events at Dubai Opera from their official iPad.
You are able to take as many photos and videos as you like from your mobile phones during both tours, but we were informed that they don’t allow professional cameras to be used during either tours.
What's Unique
Dubai Opera is the ONLY opera theatre in the UAE. So you guessed it! In the UAE, this is your ONLY chance to do an architecture or backstage tour of such an impressive purpose-built multi-format performing arts opera theatre.
The Verdict
Both tours were worthwhile doing, as one focused on the inside architecture and décor and the other focused on the backstage experience of performers/opera staff and what goes into setting up and dismantling stage setups.
You’ll learn some super interesting facts about the Dubai Opera Theatre and you’ll also enjoy seeing areas not available for the public to see.
Sounds like fun? Don’t just take our word for it, experience it for yourself.
Be inspired to start or add to your very own bucket lists.
You can also click here for more unique bucket list ideas in the UAE!
Above prices & information correct as of September 2021.
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